"'Why wouldn't you do it?' And, quite frankly, 'why not me?'" Martin said these were questions McCain asked himself before taking a stand against racism and segregation in America.

"And so, it represented the type of person that Franklin McCain Sr. was, quite honestly, and that also carried on to me," he continued.

McCain also played a major role in Martin's selection as chancellor in 2009.

"He probably asked some of the most pointed questions as part of the interview process," Martin said, remembering McCain's impact on North Carolina A&T. "And, of course, I always enjoyed his wisdom as we made tough decisions about the university."

For a man whose impact was felt at the university, in Greensboro, and around the world, Martin offered the highest praises in a news conference Friday.

And, he said McCain's legacy will live on through his students.

"[NC A&T students] come here inspired on the front end with the expectation that they are looking for ways which they can, too, really make a difference in the world," Martin said. "That, in my mind, came from their knowledge of Franklin McCain, the A&T Four and others like them who have come through this institution and have made a difference on the world today."

Watch the full news conference with Chancellor Harold L. Martin attached to this article.

The university is currently working with the family to coordinate funeral arrangements. School officials say they will pass that information along as soon as its finalized.